Once we are laying down and have had an opportunity to calm down, Marco pulls me close so we can let our bodies become tangled together. “Okay, Marco. No more stalling. What happened today? What was the emergency on the fifth floor? Why did we get sent home?” I ask, brushing my fingers across his cheek and jaw. He sighs and looks past me. He closes his eyes for a long second before he looks back at me. His eyes are slightly glossy, as if there are tears behind his eyes. “Kas attacked James. She didn't just attack him, she tried to kill him. She ripped his throat open with her bare hands. He almost died today,” he says before rolling onto his back, looking at the ceiling. He rubs his hand over his eyes and forehead. I sit up in disbelief, “Oh my Goddess. Are you serious? Why? Why would she do that? And of all wolves...how did she possibly get the best of James?” “I’m completely serious. As for the rest of the questions, I've got no idea. I don’t know what possessed her,” he shakes
Kas’s POV When I woke up from my nap, I felt much better. I could hear maintenance staff still out in the apartment, speaking in hushed whispers. Bronx asked me to stay in the bedroom until they were finished, so I pulled out my laptop to see what was going on in the world. I have basically been missing for a week. It doesn’t matter who you are; the world turns with or without you. A red scrolling bar at the top of the home screen has Bronx’s name on it. Huh? I click on it and get directed to a news page. There is a video of Bronx sitting in front of a blue background. The headline just reads ‘Rare Statement From MasonCo CEO’. I put on my headphones, lean back against the pillow, and click the play button. I'm mortified for the next three minutes. My face flushes red, first out of embarrassment that he would tell the world I was missing and almost drowned, then from anger at the thinly veiled threats he made to whoever took me, and back to embarrassment when I hear him say he is of
When Bronx comes back, he has Mrs. Miller in tow. I come out of the bedroom with a big smile when I hear her voice. She is one of my favorite people. Left to our own devices, she and I can experiment with new recipes and trade technique ideas all day long. Bronx is carrying the ingredients I asked for. She is carrying a pizza box. As soon as she sets it down, I throw myself into her arms. “Oh, Luna, we have been so worried about you. I am glad to see you back at home safe and sound,” she comforts me in a warm hug while she smoothes my hair. “I’m glad to be back, Mrs. Miller,” I grin, “I am going to come see you this week about ideas for sandwiches for the bakery.” “Of course Luna. You know where to find me,” she squeezes me a little harder before she says goodbye and takes her leave. Bronx takes our pizza to the living room so we can relax while we eat and talk. This is how he and I usually talk about pack or regent business when there are tough decisions involved. We have found it
Kas's POV I peek in through the little window of the hospital room. I can see James hooked up to machines, sleeping peacefully. A strong pang of guilt courses through me when I see there are bandages around his neck. Delilah is curled up in the chair that’s pulled up to the side of the bed. She is holding his hand through the railing of the bed. “You can’t talk to her from the hallway, Kas,” Bronx whispers in my ear from behind me, “I’ll wait here until you’re ready. Just mind link me.” I nod, then take a deep breath. I quietly open the door and step inside the room. I close it behind me and take a step into the room. Delilah’s breath hitches in her sleep, but she doesn’t wake up. I take slow deliberate steps until I am next to the chair. I squat down and put my hand on her forearm. “Delilah?” I whisper, “Wake up, please.” Her brow furrows as her eyes flutter open. Her deep sapphire blue eyes take a moment for her to recognize my face, but when she does, they immediately turn r
We talk with Delilah and James for another fifteen minutes or so before we say our goodbyes. As we are leaving the hospital wing, we see the doctor. “Luna! I am so happy to see you! I take it you’re feeling better?” he asks joyfully. “Yes, sir. I am feeling more like myself. Thank you for asking,” I respond gratefully, “Also, we just went to visit James. I helped him out, so you won’t need to worry about him too much. Hopefully, you can send him home soon to finish recovering.” “Well then! I will check on him right now,” he looks happy at the opportunity to see the results of my healing ability. “Oh, Doc, before you go, can you look into getting a doctor that specializes in hybrid pregnancies for James’s mate?” Bronx adds quietly. “Yes Alpha, absolutely,” he bows slightly at Bronx. Bronx takes my hand and we head back to the apartment. “Can we stop by the daycare and visit Codi?” I ask, trying to think of ways to distract my mind. “Well, you’re in luck. Today is Saturday. We
“You had a dream about Zeus?” Bronx looks at me suspiciously, unsure of what I am saying. “No, Bronx,” I extend my hand with the giant walnut out further as if it is proof, “I had lunch with Zeus. I also met Dionysus. He called me a monstrosity. I picked up the nut to hit him with, but he walked away.” “Kas, we have dealt with a whole lotta crazy since you have become part of our pack, but that...that is pretty damn close to the top of the list,” Lenora says in a loud whisper, so she doesn't wake the baby. The look of disbelief on her face is evident, “You haven’t left this room in two hours. We’ve checked on you twice.” She doesn’t sound angry; she sounds more concerned for my mental state. Like if she says it firmly enough, I will stop the pretense and believe her instead. That is how Lenora is. Pushy in her own way. A stickler for rules and order. Everything in Lenora’s world fit into tidy little boxes until I came along. I know it bothers her that my life naturally exists outs
Bronx’s POV It took everything I had to not console Kas in front of everyone when Musu announced her pregnancy. I know she is happy for Musu and Marco, but I could also feel her disappointment. Even though Zeus had told her she may be able to have a baby in the future, nothing is guaranteed. That’s just how life is. To her credit, she fulfilled her duty as Luna and stoically congratulated the happy couple and helped come to an agreement for their adjusted schedules. I watch as she follows Lenora and Musu out when we are finished. Marco and Milo stay behind so we can discuss schedules and strategies for guards to protect Kas for the foreseeable future. “Alpha, I know a lot has happened over the last week or so, but is Kas okay?” Marco asks. Other than Delilah and me, he knows her probably better than anyone. One of the few people I don’t mind when he doesn’t call her Luna because at the end of the day, they really are friends. I pause for a moment, debating whether to tell him abo
Katherine’s POV “They offered us accommodations at the Blood River pack house?” I ask suspiciously. “Yes, Luna. They said they have plenty of room and would be honored to have the entire team there. If we would rather stay at a hotel, they will make those arrangements, too. We just have to let them know how many suites we need,” my assistant says through the phone. “I think the packhouse would probably be the best option,” I think about Cora, who will need to come with us, being able to shift on Blood River’s extensive territory. I also selfishly think about the opportunity to get to see Iokaste in person. “Yes, ma’am.” “Sarah, how did they know we were wolves? How did they know to offer us a place in the packhouse?” “I didn’t think to ask, Luna, but Mister Mason’s assistant was very nice. She sent pictures of the suites we would stay in and everything.” I smirk at her innocence, “Alright, please request a block of eight suites.” “Yes, Luna. Oh also, Alexandros left a message.
I sit on the edge of the bed in the silent room. So this is what twenty-five feels like. I wonder if a hundred and twenty-five will feel just as good. What about two hundred and twenty-five? I laugh to myself at the thought as I head into the bathroom. I look in the mirror and run a brush through my white hair. None of the sparkly gray came back when it grew in four and a half years ago. I examine the mirror closer. It looks like there are some more violet flecks in the light gray of my irises, but maybe that’s just me being hopeful. I still don’t have any abilities other than being able to shift and mind linking other pack members. I splash water on my face and brush my teeth. There will be time to shower later before the pack Summer Solstice party and pack run. I pick up some toys that made their way into the closet room and find a dark blue sundress to wear. Once I am changed, I look at myself in the full-length mirror and smile. When I get into the living room, Marco comes up an
The smell of pine needles and lavender fills the room. I keep my eyes closed and hide my smile as the giggles get closer. “Mommy? Are you awake?” Maya’s little voice whispers loudly. I can feel her weight climbing onto the bed. “Shhh, Maya, Mommy gets to sleep, because it’s her birfday,” Andreas giggles at her while he climbs onto the bed as well. I roll over and pretend to yawn with a big growl and stretch my arms out wide, grabbing them both and bringing them toward me. Their happy squeals fill my heart with joy. “Hello, darlings,” I squeeze them tightly in my arms. “Mommy, happy birfday!” Andreas says happily and gives me a wet kiss on the cheek. “Mommy, Auntie Delilah said she’s made a cake for you,” Maya says with big gray eyes. She lays in my arms and plays with my white hair. She gives a sly little smile, “I think she made chocolate.” “Oh, she did, did she?” I smile back. The twins talk excitedly at the same time, telling me about all the things they want to do with me to
Kas’s POV I sit in front of him, even though he doesn’t know I’m there. I’m afraid if I look away, I may never see him again. Elexis’s black snout pushes under my elbow so I will put my arm around her while she sits next to me. I let myself lean heavily against her while we watch our mate realize that my spirit has left my body. “He broke the mate bond, Kas. Our spirits’ journeys are finished,” Lex says quietly, “There are no more lifetimes for us.” “I understand,” I nod slowly as I run my fingers through her silky onyx fur, “Lex, through everything, I forgive him. I’m sure it seems foolish, but I don’t have the desire to hold on to hate or malice when I move on. So, I forgive him.” “Of course you do. You have a good heart, Kas. I know how much you loved him over the centuries.” “I’ve made my peace, and I died knowing I did everything I could do to save my sisters and keep my pups alive. There is nothing else I need to fulfill me.” “It has been a pleasure being your wolf, Kas. I
“She’s pregnant?” I ask out loud, no one in particular. “Twins,” Reggie says dully. “Based on how big she is and comparing her to when Musu was pregnant, we think she’s due any day. Since she hasn’t eaten, her babies are basically using her body for nutrition. For lack of a better term, they’re eating her alive,” Milo says, as he brushes his hand against her cheek. He sits back on his heels and looks at her with tears in his eyes, “We don’t know what happened to Lex. She hasn’t been able to heal her for over three weeks now.” “What did the doctor say?” I gulp hard. I plant my feet to the ground, afraid to move. “You said no fucking doctors,” Reggie hisses at me through gritted teeth, “or have you forgotten?” “LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO HER YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Saint’s first words in weeks are pure rage against me. He tries to claw his way forward to take control and get to Kas, still protective of her. I take a step forward. A small piece of me, a deep down part that has been hidden awa
Bronx’s POV “Come on, man. It’s been a month. We’re sick of this shit. If this is your order, if this is truly what you want, then man the fuck up and come to the dungeon so you can see your damn handy work,” Milo’s steel-gray eyes bore into me, “Like you said, you don’t give a fuck anymore, so prove it. Come see what you’re doing.” “Watch your tone, Milo,” I stand up, growling at him. “Look, Bronx, you can come with us right now or you can find Blood River another Beta. I have plenty of packs who have already said they would give me asylum. Fuck being a Beta. I’ll take a job as a front gate guard and call it a fucking day. I’ll pack my shit, take Codi, and leave today if that’s how you really want this to go down. Your choice,” he crosses his arms and stares me down. Behind him, Reggie has his hands on his hips, looking at the floor. “What about you, Reggie? You're awfully quiet. Are you part of this ultimatum, too?” I lean forward against the desk, giving him a chance to speak u
Milo’s POV Marco had told us to find her binder before Bronx ordered us to lock him in solitary confinement. He said Kas kept note cards and binders for everything. We just had to find the correct binder to figure out what she was up to. He couldn’t tell us anymore because of some sort of potion he had swallowed. He was right. We rifled through dozens of binders in her office until we found one in her desk drawer that had a sticker labeled ‘Manae Notes’. It detailed everything, complete with cute pictures of rooms and furniture she wanted to use magic to create so her sisters would be comfortable in the home she was building for them. Some of the note cards were actually thin sheets of parchment that looked like they were hundreds of years old. Others were thick handmade papers that were crumbling on the edges. There were at least six different languages among the cards. Musu helped us translate most of them, but a few she said were in dead languages she wasn’t familiar with. Regardl
Kas’s POV I wake up in the morning feeling stiff and sore. I slide out of bed with a groan and look in the mirror. Even more than yesterday, I don’t recognize the reflection I see. Pale skin with dark bags below my eyes. All the violet from my irises is gone, replaced by a gray so light, it could be mistaken for white. I gently run a brush through my brittle, thinning hair. It is no longer gray and glittery. It’s turned into a dull shade of white that matches my eyes. I put on a loose dress and a heavy long cardigan to hide the joints protruding from all my angles before I go out to address my sisters for one last time before escorting them to Kardiá tou Manae. When I first met Lenora, bruises from my nose being broken upset her. What she would think now at my self-imposed deterioration. I turn to the side and admire my growing belly. I let myself smile when I feel the impatient little kicks coming from inside. I spend time with each team of sisters and make sure they are still on
Bronx’s POV Halloween comes and goes. Thanksgiving comes and goes. Winter Solstice is only a couple of weeks away. The frigid Montana winter trudges on. The world keeps turning as if Kas never existed. Last week, I heard Katherine Santoro’s abandoned estate in Greece burned down to the ground. No fatalities and no signs of the other residents and staff who lived there several days prior. A few days later, hunters found Katherine’s naked body, along with an unidentified woman, both mauled by wild animals in a wooded area of Mongolia. The artist's sketch of the other woman is clearly Cora. As soon as they confirmed Katherine was dead, I had my people get to work on acquiring Santoro Enterprises. Within several months, I will be the CEO, absorb the company into MasonCo and create a logistics division. If there are any Manae hiding among Santoro Enterprises staff, I will flush them out and throw them into the dungeon to rot. It’s what they deserve. If Kas ever dares show her face aga
Katherine’s POV The estate is unusually quiet when I get home from work. I don’t notice the usual hustle and bustle, but I chalk it up to coming home later than I normally do. I push open the door to my darkened office, pour myself a glass of scotch, and make my way over to the desk. I turn on the desk lamp and sit down, taking a deep sip of my drink. “Hello, Iokaste,” I lean back in my chair, addressing the woman in the tall wingback seat across the desk, “You look like shit.” “Hello, Katherine. Thank you for the compliment,” she snarks at me and leans forward from the shadow, letting me see her pale skin and sunken eyes be more clearly. Her spindly hand supports her chin. The longer I look at her, the more I realize she is way too thin. “K-Kas. Are-are you alright?” I stammer when I see her true condition. “Don’t worry about me, darling. You never have before. I’m here because I need you to do something for me. I’m going to give you a choice on how you do it,” she says, steepl